Removable lenses for mobile devices with on-board camera

ABSTRACT

Disclosed in some examples are auxiliary optical systems for removably attaching to mobile devices, including mobile telephones with onboard cameras, to provide enhanced optical features. Some auxiliary optical systems can be configured to attach to multiple different types and sizes of mobile devices. Some auxiliary optical systems can be configured to attach to a mobile device that includes a protruding onboard camera. For example, in some embodiments, a retainer portion of an auxiliary optical system can comprise a region for receiving the protruding onboard camera in a clearance or friction fit.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation patent application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/676,723 (U.S. Pat. No. 10,088,738), filed onApr. 1, 2015, entitled “Auxiliary Optical Devices,” which claims thepriority benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/978,769,filed on Apr. 11, 2014, entitled “Auxiliary Optical Devices”, U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/990,012, filed on May 7, 2014,entitled “Auxiliary Optical Devices”, U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/046,817, filed on Sep. 5, 2014, entitled “AuxiliaryOptical Devices”, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/048,171,filed on Sep. 9, 2014, entitled “Auxiliary Optical Devices”, and U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/061,831, filed on Oct. 9, 2014,entitled “Auxiliary Optical Devices”, all of which are incorporated byreference for all purposes herein.

BACKGROUND

This invention relates generally to accessories for communicationdevices (e.g., mobile telephones, mobile texting devices, electronic paddevices, laptop computers, desktop computers, gaming devices, and/ordevices capable of linking electronically to another device or to anetwork such as the Internet, etc.), and specifically to removablefunctional components for communication devices.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

In recent years, many advances in computer networking and processingtechnology have made it possible for communication devices to includecameras that permit users to capture images. In many cases, these imagescan be stored, processed, and transmitted. However, there are manydesign constraints on onboard cameras in communication devices that canlimit the weight, size, expense, shape, adjustability, and overallquality of the lensing systems of such cameras. Consequently, manycameras in communications devices are inadequate for a wide variety ofphotographic needs. These deficiencies cannot be addressed by existingmodular or detachable lensing systems for use with conventional film ordigital cameras due to significant differences between such lensingsystems and communication devices, including incompatibilities inattachment structures, weight, optics, size, transportation, storage,ergonomics, and/or portability.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Certain embodiments of the inventions will now be discussed in detailwith reference to the following figures. These figures are provided forillustrative purposes only, and the inventions are not limited to thesubject matter illustrated in the figures.

FIGS. 1A-1E illustrate an example of several views of an auxiliary lenssystem with a plurality of lenses used for different purposes.

FIGS. 2A-2B illustrate an example of the auxiliary lens system of FIGS.1A-1E positioned for attachment on a mobile communication device, andthen attached to a mobile communication device.

FIGS. 3A-3C illustrate an example of the auxiliary lens system of FIGS.1A-1E being removed from the attachment position as shown in FIG. 2B,rotated about a generally vertical axis, and then reattached, so as toswitch the positions of the front and rear lenses.

FIGS. 4A-4C illustrate examples of auxiliary lens systems that areadjustable in size to attach to one or more different mobilecommunication devices.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of another auxiliary lens system that isadjustable in size to attach to one or more different mobilecommunication devices.

FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate an example of an auxiliary lens system that isconfigured to be positioned on a mobile communication device with asurface protrusion.

FIGS. 7A-7C; 8A-8B; 9A-9C; and 10A-10C illustrate examples of auxiliarylens systems that each attach to, or secure or fix into position on, amobile communication device in whole or in part using a protrusion on amobile communication device, such as a protruding camera.

FIGS. 11A-11B illustrate an example of an auxiliary lens system thatcomprises at least two optical regions that are each configured to be insimultaneous optical communication with a respective one of at least twolenses of onboard cameras in a mobile communication device.

FIGS. 12A-12E; 13A-13C; 14A-14C; and 15A-15C illustrate examples ofauxiliary lens systems that can be utilized on mobile communicationdevices that have one or more protruding features, such as a protrudingonboard camera.

FIGS. 16A-16B illustrate examples of side cross-sectional views of otherauxiliary lens systems that can be utilized on mobile communicationdevices that have one or more protruding features.

Many other types of communication devices besides those illustrated anddescribed herein can be used, and many different types of components orparts can be used in the auxiliary lens systems, which are encompassedby this specification.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The following detailed description is now directed to certain specificexamples of embodiments of the disclosure. In this description,reference is made to the drawings wherein like parts are designated withlike numerals throughout the description and the drawings. Theinventions are not limited to the examples expressly illustrated ordescribed in this specification. As used herein, a mobile device refersto a device that can be readily and conveniently carried by a user fromone place to another; a mobile electronic device is a mobile device thatcomprises one or more electronic capabilities; a mobile electroniccommunication device is a mobile electronic device that comprises one ormore communication features that permit the device to communicate withone or more other devices.

Any feature, structure, step, material, or component that is illustratedand/or described in any embodiment in this specification can be usedseparately from the embodiment in which it is disclosed and/orillustrated, either individually, or in combination with anotherembodiment described and/or illustrated in this specification, or incombination with any embodiment that is not described and/or illustratedin this specification. For example, without limitation, any embodimentin this specification can include multiple lenses attachable to a singleretainer, as illustrated in FIGS. 1A-3C, even if not illustrated ordescribed, and/or any embodiment in this specification can be configuredto be attached to a mobile communication device in a first orientation,detached from the communication device, rotated about a generallyvertical axis, and reattached to the communication device in a secondorientation. No feature, structure, step, material, or componentdisclosed and/or illustrated in this specification is essential orindispensable.

Referring to FIGS. 1A-3C, an example of a removably attachable auxiliaryoptical device 400 is illustrated in many different views. In someembodiments, as illustrated, an auxiliary optical device 400 cangenerally comprise a retainer portion 406 and one or a plurality of lensportions 402, 404. The retainer portion 406 is generally configured tobe removably attachable to a mobile electronic communication device suchthat the one or more optical portions, such as lens portions 402, 404,can be positioned in a region generally covering or near an onboardcamera lens in the communication device to enable the one or more lensportions 402, 404 to cooperate optically with the onboard camera, toprovide different optical enhancements, improvements, modifications,and/or alternatives, such as one or more of the following:magnification, telephoto, wide angle, fish-eye, polarization, glarereduction, anti-reflection, light filtering or attenuation at particularranges of wavelengths, and/or coloring, etc. As with all features,structures, steps, materials, or components disclosed and/or illustratedin this specification, any of the foregoing optical features orcombinations thereof can be included in any device in thisspecification. Any of the lenses can be of any suitable shape orconfiguration, such as plano, spherical, parabolic, cylindrical,toroidal, and/or simple or compound, etc. In some embodiments, asillustrated, the retainer portion 406 is shaped so as to attach to thecommunication device in a region and in a manner that permits a user tosee all or virtually all of a viewing portion (not shown) of thecommunication device without obstruction or without appreciableobstruction.

One or more of the lens portions 402, 404 can be removably attached tothe retainer portion 406 with a securing structure, such as a screwthread, a bayonet mount, a friction fit, a snap fit, a clip, and/or aclasp, etc. One or more of the lens portions 402, 404 can beinterchangeable or replaceable with one or more other lens portions withone or more different optical features, such as any of the opticalfeatures described elsewhere in this specification.

In some embodiments, the retainer portion 406 can comprise a channel 416with a plurality of sidewalls or side retaining structures 407, 409. Insome embodiments, the retainer portion 406 comprises only a singlesidewall or side retaining structure, or no sidewall or side retainingstructure. The width of the channel 416, e.g., the distance between therespective sidewalls or side retaining portions 407, 409, can beconfigured to be generally complimentary to the thickness of a portionof the communication device(s) 134 on which the retainer portion 406 isconfigured to attach. In some embodiments, the natural width of thechannel 416 (e.g., before attachment to a communication device) isapproximately the same size or slightly smaller than the thickness of acorner, such as an upper corner, of the outside housing of acommunication device near the light aperture of the onboard camera ofthe communication device. In some embodiments, the natural width of thechannel 416 is approximately the same size or slightly smaller than thethickness of another portion of the outside housing, such as an uppercentral region, or another location.

In some embodiments, as illustrated, one or more of the plurality ofwalls 407, 409 can have a curvilinear shape along one or more edges topermit the retainer portion 406 to provide increased distance of contactalong the edge of the communication device while diminishing the areaacross a transverse surface of the device that is obstructed by theretainer portion 406. For example, in some embodiments, as illustrated,the curvilinear shape along one or more edges of the walls 407, 409permits the retainer portion 406 to extend along and attach to at leasta portion of two generally converging or generally perpendicular outeredges or sides of a communication device that is approximately as wideas either of the lens portions 402, 404, while diminishing the amount ofspace on the front of the electronic communication device that isblocked. In the example shown in FIGS. 1A-3C, the curvilinear shape ofthe edge of the walls 407, 409 can comprise a rounded corner, and avoidor omit a lower pointed or sharp corner that may otherwise extend intoand obstruct the viewing portion of the communication device. In someembodiments, the auxiliary optical device 400 does not appreciably blockor obstruct the viewing surface of the mobile electronic communicationdevice when attached.

All or part of the retainer portion 406, such as one or more of theplurality of walls 407, 409, can be made of a material (e.g., a polymeror a silicone) that is sufficiently flexible to permit some degree ofdeformation (e.g., compression, bending, or stretching) of one or morewalls 407, 409, so that the channel 416 can be temporarily widened whilesliding the auxiliary optical device 400 onto a communication device134, but at least a portion of one or more of the walls 407, 409 can besufficiently stiff, rigid, or resilient to urge one or more of theplurality of walls 407, 409 to return to its original position andthereby exert a gripping force against a portion of the communicationdevice, thereby providing a friction fit between the retainer portion406 and the communication device 134. In some embodiments, a portion (orall) of the material of the retainer portion 406, especially the regionon the inner side of the walls 407, 409 within the channel 416, can alsobe tacky or somewhat slide resistant to enhance the gripping of theretainer portion 406 to the communication device 134. In someembodiments, the gripping force and/or slide resistance can reduce oreliminate the need to attach a permanent or temporary mounting componentto the communication device. For example, the lens component 400 can berepeatedly attached to and removed from a communication device 134without requiring (though not prohibiting) installation on thecommunication device of a separate permanently or semi-permanentlyattached mounting component such as a bracket, magnet, adhesive, orother fastening component, thereby providing ease of installation whilepreserving the original overall shape, appearance, functionality,compatibility (e.g., with other communication devices or cases), and/orfeel of the communication device when the lens component is removed.

As with any features, structures, steps, materials, or componentsdisclosed and/or illustrated in this specification, any auxiliaryoptical device in this specification can be utilized with any type ofmobile electronic communication device, including any of thoseillustrated and/or described in this specification. The mobileelectronic communication device 134, as illustrated in FIGS. 2A-3C,includes an onboard camera 132 with a lens that is positioned in a flushor virtually flush relationship with the face of the mobile electroniccommunication device 134 in which it is embedded.

In some embodiments, the retainer portion 406 can comprise an upper wall420 that can be shaped in some embodiments to generally correspond tothe shape of one or more edges (e.g., side and/or top edges) of acommunication device 134. As illustrated, the upper wall 420 has agenerally curvilinear shape with a rounded corner 122. The retainerportion 406 can also include one or more internal surface features(e.g., recesses, protrusions, and/or contours, etc.) that are configuredto generally avoid interference with one or more external features on acommunication device 134. For example, as illustrated, a channel 424 caninclude a groove to avoid interference or inadvertent contact with abutton or other feature on a communication device when the auxiliaryoptical device 400 is attached to the communication device 134. Asillustrated in Figure IC, the sidewalls 407, 409 of the retainer 406 cancomprise one or more generally pointed or angular regions 129.

In some embodiments, as illustrated, the retainer portion 406 can beconfigured to gnp at least two nonparallel sides of a communicationdevice 134. For example, the retainer portion 406 can contact at least afirst generally vertical side or edge surface 133 of a communicationdevice and at least a second generally horizontal and generallyorthogonal side or edge surface 135 of a mobile communication device 134(e.g., the lateral side and the top side of the mobile communicationdevice) at the same time during use. In some embodiments, this contactby multiple generally perpendicular edges or surfaces permits repeatableadequately precise placement of the retainer portion 406. In someembodiments, only one edge is contacted or no edges are contacted. Insome embodiments, the retainer portion, in any of a variety ofconfigurations, can be attached to a mobile electronic communicationdevice in a single attachment motion, without requiring user adjustmentof the location or structure of the retainer portion and/or opticalportion during attachment.

In some embodiments, two or more contacting surfaces in the retainerportion 406 can converge at an upper corner having a rounded externalsurface. In some embodiments, as illustrated, the retainer portion 406is substantially smaller than the communication device to which it isconfigured to attach, or even substantially smaller than the viewingportion of the communication device to which it is configured to attach.In some embodiments, a retainer portion can be configured to contactonly one side or edge (e.g., the generally vertical or the generallyhorizontal side or edge), such as by contacting both the front and rearsurface of such side of edge but without also requiring contact withanother side or edge. An example of such an embodiment can generally beformed from a retainer portion with a general U-shape comprising anupper wall, two side walls, and an opening on each side of the sidewalls. In some embodiments, a retainer portion can be configured tocontact only one surface of the mobile electronic communication device,such as the surface of the mobile electronic communication device onwhich the onboard camera is located.

In some embodiments, the retainer portion 406 can permit the auxiliaryoptical device 400 to be removably attached to a communication devicewithout requiring non-stock mounts on the communication device andwithout requiring dynamic mounts on the retainer portion 112 itself(e.g. fasteners, screws, adjustable clamps, etc.). For example, in somesuch embodiments, a user can attach the auxiliary optical device 400 toa corner or some other location on a communication device by simplysliding it, for example, onto the corner or other location of thecommunication device, and can remove it by simply pulling it off,without requiring user adjustment during attachment. In someembodiments, as illustrated, the auxiliary optical device 400 can remainon the communication device 134 by way of a friction fit. The attachmentto the communication device can avoid a residue deposit from adhesive,scratches to the exterior surface, or other damage or alteration of thecommunication device. In some embodiments, the retainer portion can besufficiently wide and/or long so that it is adapted to receive an endand/or side region (e.g., two or more corners) of a communication devicerather than merely one corner, and the other aspects of otherembodiments disclosed herein can apply to such embodiments, includingbut not limited to the shape and materials of construction and theaccomplishment of a friction fit between the retainer portion and theend and/or side region of a communication device. In some embodiments,the retainer portion can utilize dynamic mounts and/or any other meansfor attachment to a mobile electronic communication device. No means ofattachment between an auxiliary lens system and a mobile electroniccommunication device should be deemed to be essential or indispensableto, or excluded by, this specification or any products herein.

The one or more lens portions 402, 404 generally comprises a transparentoptical portion or lens 411, which is typically made of a glass or apolymer, and a securing structure 413. The term “lens” and similar termsshould be understood in accordance with the customary meaning in thisfield, and includes at least any optical portion that permits light topass through and provides some optical characteristic or protection,such as changing light direction, filtering light, and/or modifying oneor more qualities of light that passes through the optical portion, etc.The securing structure 413 can be made of many different types ofmaterials or combinations of materials, such as one or more metals(e.g., aluminum or steel) or one or more plastics. The securingstructure 413 can include a generally wide-area opening for receivingthe optical portion or lens 411 and a generally narrow-area region forattachment to the retainer portion 406. In some embodiments, thesecuring structure 413 and the retainer portion 406 can be configured toslide or otherwise move with respect to each other in a limited mannerto allow for adjustment of the position of the optical portion or lens402, 404 with respect to the onboard camera lens of a communicationdevice (e.g., for the purpose of addressing manufacturing tolerances inthe location of the onboard camera lenses in some communicationdevices). As illustrated, the mechanism or structure for attachment orsecurement of the optical portion or lens portion 411 to the retainerportion 406 can be separate from and/or can operate independently of themechanism or structure for attachment or securement of the retainerportion 406 to the communication device. In some embodiments, asillustrated, the outside surface of the securing structure 413 can taperinwardly from the lens-receiving region to the retainer-attaching regionto diminish the amount of material used in manufacturing and to diminishthe size and weight of the auxiliary optical device 400. In someembodiments, the auxiliary optical device 400 can be very small, such asless than or equal to about 2½ inches or less than or equal to about 1½inches across.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in Figures IA-IE, the channel 416includes an attachment-facilitating surface 418. In the illustratedexamples, the attachment-facilitating surface 418 comprises an inwardlycurved (e.g., sloped or slanted) surface positioned along the outer edgeor slotted opening of the channel 416. In some embodiments, theattachment-facilitating surface 418 can be positioned at or near anouter edge of the channel 416. As illustrated, theattachment-facilitating surface can be thinner near the edge and cangradually become thicker as it progresses further into the channel 416.

As the lens component 400 is moved into an attachment position on acommunication device, the attachment-facilitating surface 418 canprovide an initial contact region or opening near the outer edge that iseffectively wider to facilitate proper orientation and attachment of thedevice by a user, and a narrower second region further within thechannel 416 (or further from the edge of the lens component 400),thereby providing a more secure attachment surface as the auxiliaryoptical device 400 is moved further onto the attachment region of thecommunication device 134. In some embodiments, as illustrated, the widthof the channel 416 can change between the initial contact region and thesecond region in a smooth, gradual, and/or curvilinear manner. Someembodiments can include many other types of shapes. For example, theattachment-facilitating surface 418 can include a discontinuous surfaceor a series of discrete ramps, protrusions, or grooves. As with anyother features, structures, steps, methods, or components illustratedand/or described in this specification, the attachment-facilitatingsurface 418 can be included on any embodiment of an auxiliary opticaldevice.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 3C, the user can select which of theplurality of lenses 402, 404 to position in front of the camera 132 ofthe communication device 134 to achieve a desired photographic affect.In FIG. 2B, the lens component 400 is moved into an attachment positionon a communication device 134 such that a first (e.g., smaller-diameter)lens 402 is positioned in front of the onboard camera lens 132 and asecond (e.g., larger-diameter) lens 404 is positioned on an oppositeside of the communication device 134. In this orientation, thesmaller-diameter lens 402 is operative and the larger-diameter lens 404is not operative. In FIGS. 3A-3C, the lens component 400 is removed fromthe communication device, rotated about a vertical axis (e.g.,approximately 180° in this example), and rotated about a horizontal axisto orient the channel 416 in general alignment with an attachmentsurface (e.g., a housing edge) of the communication device. In FIG. 3C,the auxiliary optical device 400 is again advanced onto thecommunication device 134 such that the second optical component (e.g.,the larger-diameter lens 404) is positioned in front of the onboardcamera lens 132 and the first optical component (e.g., thesmaller-diameter lens 402) is positioned on an opposite side of thecommunication device 134. In this orientation, the larger-diameter lens404 is operative and the smaller-diameter lens 402 is not operative. Insome embodiments, this configuration of a lens component 400 canconveniently permit multiple lens options without necessarily requiringthe user to hold or store multiple discreet lens components. In someembodiments, more than two lens types or features can be included in thelens component 400, thereby providing the user with many lens options.

In the illustrated examples, though not in every embodiment, the firstand second optical components 402, 404 are not in optical communicationwith each other, and only one of the optical components 402, 404 is inoptical communication with a particular onboard camera 132 at the sametime. The particular optical component 402 or 404 that is in opticalcommunication with the onboard camera 132 is configured to receive lightthat is impinging upon the surface of the mobile electronic device inwhich the onboard camera 132 that in optical communication with theoptical component 402 or 404 is located.

Any of the foregoing features, steps, structures, methods, orcomponents, and/or anything else disclosed and/or illustrated in U.S.Pat. No. 8,279,544, which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirely for all that it discloses, can be used with or instead of anyfeatures, steps, structures, methods, or components disclosed and/orillustrated elsewhere in this specification. For example, any retainerportion disclosed below in this specification can be configured toattach to any optical component or lens described and/or illustratedabove, and/or any feature of any retainer portion disclosed below inthis specification can be combined with any retainer portion 400 (or anyfeature thereof) that is described and/or illustrated above, and/or anymethod of attaching a retainer portion to a mobile electroniccommunication device (or any step thereof) described and/or illustratedabove can be used in any of the embodiments described and/or illustratedbelow, etc. Any other combinations of features can be used.

As illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4C, in some embodiments, an auxiliary lenssystem 500 can adjust or be adjustable to attach to one or more mobilecommunication devices. In some embodiments, the adjustment can permit asingle auxiliary lens system to fit onto a plurality of different typesor models of mobile electronic communication devices with differentsizes or shapes, or to fit onto a mobile electronic communication devicewhether or not it is enclosed within a case, or is attached to someother type of other auxiliary accessory or component, that effectivelychanges the size or shape of the mobile electronic communication device.In some embodiments, the adjustment can permit the auxiliary lens system500 to be attached to a mobile communication device that has anon-planar surface, such as a surface with an embedded onboard camerathat extends above the surface.

As shown in FIG. 5, an adjustable auxiliary lens system 500 can comprisea retainer portion 506. As illustrated, the retainer portion 506 cancomprise a first wall 507, a second wall 509, a top wall 520, and achannel 516 between the first and second walls 507, 509. As usedthroughout this specification, it is contemplated that any wall (such asthe first wall 507, second wall 509, and/or the top wall 520, and inother embodiments) can be replaced by, in whole or in part, anotherconnection or support structure, such as a connector, a bar, anattachment, a strut, etc. The top wall 520 can be attached to both thefirst wall 507 and the second wall 509, as illustrated. The spacebetween the first wall 507 and the second wall 509, as well as thecorresponding width of the top wall 520, can be configured to generallycorrespond to the size of a portion of a mobile electronic communicationdevice that is intended to be inserted into the channel 516 forretaining the retainer portion 506 on the mobile electroniccommunication device 534, 536. Any of the walls 507, 509, 520 caninclude openings, as illustrated.

In some embodiments, the auxiliary lens system 500 is configured to beadjustable by providing a variable-width top wall 520 and/or byproviding a variable angle between at least a portion of the first andsecond sidewalls 507, 509, such that the first and second sidewalls 507,509 can be moved away from a parallel relationship with each other. Manydifferent structures and methods can be employed to accomplish any ofsuch variations. For example, as shown, one or more adjusters 508, 510can be provided in a portion of the retainer 506. In the illustratedexample, the adjusters are slits. In some embodiments, at least one slit508, 510 is provided in a top or side portion of the top wall 520. Thewidth of the slit 508, 510 can be small or large depending on how muchflexibility is desired. For example, in some embodiments, a narrow slit508 can provide a low degree of flexibility and a wide slit 510 canprovide a high degree of flexibility. In some embodiments, the amount offlexibility of the retainer portion 506 can depend, in whole or in part,on the material of which the retainer portion 506 is made. For example,a low durometer material, such as silicone, can provide a high degree offlexibility, while a high durometer material, such as a rigid plastic ormetal (e.g., aluminum), can provide a lower degree of flexibility.

As illustrated, a plurality of adjusters 508, 510 can be provided in anorientation such that a first generally horizontal adjuster 508 ispositioned generally orthogonally to a second generally verticaladjuster 508 to permit adjustment of the width of the channel 516 in atleast two dimensions, such as in a generally horizontal plane and in agenerally vertical plane. In some embodiments, an auxiliary opticaldevice 500 with one or more adjusters can be configured to fit onto oneor more different types of mobile electronic communication devices, suchas a pad or tablet device 538 (such as the iPad device made by Apple,Inc.), a mobile telephone device 534 (such as the iPhone device made byApple, Inc.), and/or a mobile storage device (such as the iPod Touchdevice made by Apple, Inc.).

In some embodiments, using one or more adjusters, the retainer portion506 can be permitted to move from at least a first, relaxed position inwhich the first and second walls 507, 509 are generally parallel to eachother, to a second, stressed position, in which the first and secondwalls 507, 509 are not generally parallel to each other, such that afirst side of the channel 516 (e.g., a side near the opening of thechannel 516) can be larger than a second side of the channel 516 (e.g.,a side near the top wall 520 of the channel 516). In some embodiments,in the second position, the retainer 506 exerts a restoring force,urging the retainer 506 back toward the first position, which can causeone or more of the sidewalls 507, 509 to press against a portion of amobile electronic communication device to which the retainer 506 isattached, thereby more securely holding the retainer 506 onto the mobiledevice. In some embodiments, the first and second walls 507, 509 aregenerally parallel to each other in both the first and second positionsbut the retain portion flexes or stretches or expands internally to helpposition a retainer portion on a mobile communication device with aprotruding feature and/or to help retain a retainer portion on a mobilecommunication device, such as by exerting an inwardly directed biasingforce against the mobile communication device, on one or more sides orfaces of the mobile communication device.

As illustrated, the auxiliary optical device 500 can comprise one ormore optical portions 525 that comprise one or more lenses which can beremovably or permanently attached to the retainer portion 506 such thatat least one optical portion 525 is configured to be positioned inoptical communication with an onboard camera 542 on a first side 540 ofa mobile electronic communication device 534, 538 when the retainerportion 506 is attached to the communication device. The one or moreoptical portions 525 can be attached as described elsewhere in thisspecification.

In some embodiments, the adjusters 508, 510 can be located in one ormore different locations on the retainer 506 than as illustrated inFIGS. 4A-4C, and/or the adjusters can be configured or structured inmany different ways. For example, in some embodiments, one or moreadjusters can be provided as one or more adjustable resilient members,such as flexible or stretchable struts or springs, and/or one or moretelescoping connectors.

For example, as illustrated in FIG. 5, an adjuster can comprise aresilient portion 514, such as a resilient band or strip that extendsalong the length of the top wall 520 from a first end to a second end,in some embodiments. The resilient adjuster 514 can comprise adjustersections, such as a top adjuster section 508, a corner adjuster section512, and a side adjuster section 510. In some embodiments, asillustrated, the adjuster sections 508, 510, 512 merge into each otherat their ends, such that there is no space between them, and in someembodiments there is space between one or more adjuster sections 508,510, 512. In some embodiments, the resilient adjuster is located in acorner only. As with all structures, steps, methods, or componentsdisclosed in this specification, any aspects of the one or moreadjusters 508, 510, 512, 514 can be included in any embodiment in thisspecification. For example, a resilient adjuster of the type illustratedin FIG. 5 can be included (e.g., on a corner portion) in a retainerportion with one or more slit adjusters 508, 510 of the type illustratedin FIGS. 4A-4C.

As illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6D, in some embodiments, an auxiliary opticaldevice 600 can be configured to attach to a mobile electroniccommunication device 634 with a non-planar surface 610, such as asurface 610 in which an onboard camera 632 extends above and/or beyondand/or protrudes outwardly from one or more other portions of thesurface 610, as illustrated. In some mobile electronic communicationdevices 634, such as some versions of the iPod Touch device made byApple, Inc., the thickness of the onboard camera is greater than thethickness of the available interior space for the camera inside of themobile electronic device, so a portion of the onboard camera extendsoutside of the mobile electronic device, such as by about 1 or 2millimeters. In some embodiments, a protective structure 636 extendspartially or entirely around a lens 638 of the onboard camera 632 tohelp protect the lens 638 from being cracked, broken, or otherwisedamaged. The protective structure 636 can be in many different forms,such as a circular ring, as illustrated, or any other type of protectivestructure. As illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6D, in some embodiments, theonboard camera (including the ring in some embodiments) does not includeattachment structure, such as bayonet mounts, screw threads, grooves,clips, and/or other structure, but instead can have a smooth,homogeneous, uniform, continuous, round outer surface around itsperiphery. For example, as shown in FIGS. 6A-6D, the onboard camera doesnot include radially extending protrusion or recesses. By omittingattachment structure, as illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6D, the mobileelectronic communication device 634 presents an overall stream-lined andaesthetically pleasing design, which also is less likely to snag orcatch on other objects, such as items within a pocket where the mobiledevice 634 is stored or on a protective case for the mobile device 634.In other embodiments, the mobile electronic communication device 634 mayinclude one or more attachment structures on or generally surroundingthe onboard camera, such as one or more bayonet mounts, screw threads,clips, and/or ferromagnetic material, and any device illustrated and/ordescribed anywhere in this specification can be utilized with such amobile electronic communication device 634, with appropriatemodifications to the fit, attachment, and spacing, as needed.

In some embodiments, a portion of the retainer 606 of the auxiliaryoptical device 600 can comprise a receiving structure configured toreceive the protruding portion of the onboard camera 632, including theprotective structure 636 of the onboard camera 632, when the retainer606 is attached to a mobile communication device 634. The retainer 606can comprise first and second walls 607, 609, a top wall 620, and aninterior groove positioned between the first and second walls 607, 609.In some embodiments, the retainer 606 is substantially rigid so as toresist bending or twisting to a degree that might otherwise produceinconsistent or imprecise optical effects. The retainer 606 can beconfigured to removably attach to the mobile device 634 by way of afriction fit, as in some other embodiments disclosed elsewhere in thisspecification. As illustrated, in some embodiments, the receivingstructure can comprise one or more channels 615 in one or more first andsecond walls 607, 609, within the groove 616, or in other supportingstructure of the auxiliary optical device 600. The one or more channels615 can be sized and shaped so as to be configured to receive, in aclearance fit or in a contacting, friction fit (as shown), at least aportion of an outer perimeter or circumference 636 of the protrudingonboard camera 632. A contacting or friction fit between the protrudingonboard camera 632 and the channel 615 can help to retain the retainer606 on the mobile communication device 634, as illustrated. In someembodiments, the width across the channel 615 is about the same size asthe outer diameter or cross-sectional width of the onboard camera 632,and the length of the channel 615 within either or both of the walls607, 609 of the retainer 606 is equivalent to or about the same as thedistance travelled by the leading edge of the retainer 606, beginningfrom the point when it first contacts or overlaps with the onboardcamera to its stopping point after the retainer 606 is fully attached tothe mobile communication device 634. In some embodiments, the one ormore channels 615 may be slightly wider than the protruding onboardcamera 632, such that the one or more channels 615 do not help to attachthe auxiliary optical device 600 to the mobile device 634, but rathermerely provide clearance for the onboard camera 632 during attachment ofthe auxiliary optical device 600 to the mobile device 634. Asillustrated in FIGS. 6B and 6D, at least a portion of the first orsecond wall can be configured to contact the front face of the mobileelectronic communication device in a region adjacent to the protrudingring when the auxiliary optical device 600 is attached to the mobileelectronic communication device.

In some embodiments, as illustrated, the channel 615 can comprise agenerally smooth, generally continuous, rounded internal end region 617that is shaped, sized, and/or contoured to correspond to at least aportion of the protruding surface of the onboard camera 632 that isconfigured to snuggly or tightly abut against the end region 617 whenthe retainer 606 is fully attached to the mobile electronic device 634to help secure the retainer 606 in position. For example, asillustrated, the end region 617 can form a portion of an arc or someother shape that corresponds to or matches or is the same as a portionof an arc or some other shape formed by an upper region of the outersurface of the protruding onboard camera 632. In some embodiments, asshown, simultaneous contact in two or more regions between the mobiledevice 634 and the retainer 606 can provide a secure connection orregistration of the retainer 606 to the mobile device 634 during use,such as to avoid misaligning the optical axis of the onboard camera 632and the central axis of the lens 638, and/or to avoid shifting orblurring of an image. For example, the retainer 606 can be structured orconfigured to provide: (a) simultaneous contact between the end region617, or some other internal or external abutting or securing region ofthe retainer, and a portion of the protruding onboard camera 632 (e.g.,a top portion and/or a left side portion and/or a right side portion ofthe protruding onboard camera 632); and/or (b) either or both of thefollowing: (i) simultaneous contact between a top edge of the mobiledevice 634 and a top portion of the retainer 606; or (ii) simultaneouscontact between a side edge of the mobile device 634 and a side portionof the retainer 606. In some embodiments that include one or morechannels 615, the depth of the one or more channels 615 can generallycorrespond to or be slightly greater than the distance between thesurface 610 of the mobile communication device 634 in which the onboardcamera 632 is embedded and the outermost protruding surface of theonboard camera 632 itself, such as at least about 1 or 2 millimeters. Insome embodiments (not shown), the receiving structure can comprise aninsertion pathway formed by one or more protruding bands and/or posts,which can guide the protruding onboard camera 632 into the interior ofthe retainer 606, rather than a recessed pathway within the wall of theretainer 606, as illustrated.

The receiving structure (e.g., channel 615) can be oriented in a varietyof different ways, depending upon how the auxiliary optical device 600is intended to be used and/or attached. In some embodiments, asillustrated, the receiving structure can be oriented at an obliqueangle, such as at about 45 degrees with respect to the sidewalls, asillustrated, permitting the retainer 606 to be attached to a mobilecommunication device in a generally diagonal manner. Many otherorientations can be used, such as generally vertical or generallyhorizontal, permitting the retainer 606 to be attached to a mobilecommunication device 634 in a generally downward vertical direction orin a generally horizontal direction, respectively. In some embodiments,multiple channels 615 can be provided in different orientations topermit a plurality of different attachment pathways, depending on auser's preference. In some embodiments, a channel (not shown) does notconstitute an impression or recess in an otherwise generally uniformlyplanar surface, as illustrated, but rather the channel comprises acontinuous or segmented guide way or one or more or a series ofprotrusions or bumps that are configured to receive and to guide theprotruding onboard camera into position when the retainer 606 isattached to a mobile electronic communication device 634.

In some embodiments, a plurality of receiving structures can beprovided, such as a separate receiving structure in different opposinginterior walls 607, 609 of the retainer 606, as illustrated, to enablethe retainer to be flipped around or rotated to selectively position aparticular optical component with a desired optical enhancement inoptical communication with the onboard camera 632. Any other features,steps, structures, methods, or components illustrated in any otherembodiments of this specification can be used with or instead of thosein the embodiment of FIGS. 6A-6D. For example, without limitation, anyoptical component or lens structure described elsewhere in thisapplication can be used with the retainer 606 illustrated and/ordescribed in connection with FIGS. 6A-6D. In some embodiments, either orboth of the second wall 609 and/or top wall 620 can be omitted (alongwith the groove 616), since the attachment between the receivingstructure and the onboard camera 632 by itself can be sufficientlysecure in some embodiments to render unnecessary any additionalattachment structures. In some embodiments, not illustrated, the frontwall 607 can be very small, comprising essentially just a base of thelens portion. In any embodiment disclosed and/or illustrated in thisspecification, any retainer portion or any similar attachment structurefor an auxiliary optical device can comprise ferromagnetic material,adhesive, bayonet mounts, or one or more other attachment features tohelp removably secure an optical component such as a lens to acorresponding mobile communication device.

FIGS. 7A-7B illustrates another embodiment of an auxiliary opticaldevice 700 that can be configured to attach to a mobile electroniccommunication device 634 with a non-planar surface 610, such as a firstsurface 610 in which an onboard camera 632 extends above the surface610, as illustrated. The auxiliary optical device 700 can comprise areceiving and/or a retaining structure that is configured to permit asurface disuniformity, such as a protruding onboard camera 632, to passinto, through, and/or around the auxiliary optical device 700, and/or topermit the auxiliary optical device 700 to be removably secured orattached to the mobile electronic communication device 634, in whole orin part, using a connection between the onboard camera 632 and theauxiliary optical device 700.

FIG. 7B illustrates a vertical cross-section of the auxiliary opticaldevice 700 of FIG. 7A, along the line 7B-7B. As shown in FIG. 7B, insome embodiments, the receiving and/or retaining structure can comprisea pathway or channel that is configured to permit a surfacedisuniformity, such as a protruding onboard camera 632, to pass into andbe secured by the auxiliary optical device 700. The pathway or channelcan comprise a constricted passage 710 with a side-to-side width betweenfirst and second lateral walls 780, 790 that is less than the diameterof the onboard camera 632 (e.g., including the protective structure 636in some embodiments) of the mobile communication device 634. In someembodiments, the first and/or second walls 712, 714 of the constrictedpassage 710 can be formed from a resilient or flexible material, such asa silicone or a soft, low-durometer polymer plastic, which can compress,or flex, and/or move laterally, or in one or more other directions, asthe auxiliary optical device 700 is slid or otherwise moved intoposition on a mobile electronic device 634, as shown in FIG. 7A In someembodiments, the constricted passage 710 can be made from a rigidmaterial that moves rather than flexing, compressing, and/or bending.The constricted passage 710 can be formed, at least in part, by one ormore movable portions that slide, pivot, shift, or otherwise move topermit entry of the protruding onboard camera as the auxiliary opticaldevice 700 is moved into position on the mobile electronic communicationdevice 634.

In some embodiments, as shown, the constricted passage 710 can lead intoor be in communication with a seating region 716 that has across-sectional width or diameter that is substantially larger than thewidth of the constricted passage 710, such as for example at least abouttwice as large or at least about 1.5 times as large. As shown, thecross-sectional width or diameter of the seating region 716 cangenerally correspond to the cross-sectional width or diameter of theprotruding onboard camera 632. For example, the cross-sectional width ordiameter of the seating region 716 can be about the same size as, orslightly smaller than (e.g., less than or equal to about 1 millimetersmaller), or slightly larger than (e.g., less than or equal to about 1millimeter larger), the cross-sectional width or diameter of theprotruding onboard camera 632. The seating region 716, as shown, can beround or circular. In some embodiments, as illustrated, the shape, size,and/or contouring of the seating region 716 can be approximately thesame as or can correspond to the shape, size, and/or contouring of theprotruding portion of the onboard camera 632. The material surroundingall or a portion of the seating region 716 can be flexible or resilient.In some embodiments, the seating region 716 can be configured to providea clearance fit, a friction fit, a tight fit, and/or a snug fit with theprotruding onboard camera 632, to help hold or retain the auxiliaryoptical device 700 in position and/or to securely fix or maintain aparticular position or orientation of the auxiliary optical device 700.As illustrated, in some embodiments, the walls of the constrictedpassage 710 and the seating region 716 can be made of the same materialin a unitary or integral structure.

In use, the auxiliary optical device 700 can be brought by a user intoclose proximity with a region of a mobile communication device 634 nearan onboard camera 634, such as a corner region or an upper centralregion of the mobile communication device 634. A first wall 718 of theauxiliary optical device 700 can be configured to slide onto or overlapthe first surface 610 of the mobile communication device 634 until anoptical region or lens (not shown) attached to the first wall 718 ispositioned adjacent to and/or in optical communication with the onboardcamera 632 of the mobile communication device 634. Any type of opticalregion or lens can be used, including but not limited to any opticalregion or lens described and/or illustrated elsewhere in thisspecification, as with all other features, steps, structures, methods,and components disclosed herein. A plurality of optical regions orlenses with different optical characteristics that are selectively orremovably attachable to the auxiliary optical device 700 can beprovided.

As the auxiliary optical device 700 is brought into position on themobile communication device 634, the onboard camera 634 initially comesinto contact with a leading opening of the constricted passage 710(e.g., on the lower edge of the constricted passage 710). At this point,in some embodiments, the force exerted by the user to position theauxiliary optical device 700 on the communication device 634 increases,as the constricted passage 710 provides a degree of resistance to entryof the onboard camera 634. This increased force can urge the constrictedpassage 710 to enlarge or open to permit passage of the onboard camera634 into and through the constricted passage 710. As the user continuesto push on the auxiliary optical device 700, such as on an upper wall719 and/or sidewall 720 (if either of such walls is included), theonboard camera 634 advances from the constricted passage 710 into theseating region 716. When the auxiliary optical device 700 has beenpushed until the onboard camera 634 is positioned in the seating region716, and one or more internal walls 722, 724 (if included) of theauxiliary optical device 700 contact or abut against then theconstricted passage 710, the constricted passage 710 can rebound orotherwise move back into its original constricted shape or position.

In some embodiments, as shown, the constricted passage 710 can preventthe onboard camera 634 from leaving the secured position in the seatingregion 716 unless and until the user applies a force that is sufficientto overcome the resistance of the constricted passage 710 in oppositionto opening or moving, such that the user-applied force permits theonboard camera 632 to enter and to return back through the constrictedpassage 710 and to ultimately emerge out of the auxiliary optical device700. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7C, the auxiliaryoptical device 700 is configured to be attachable to and detachable froma mobile communication device in a single motion by the user, with apassive restraining system, without requiring the user to adjust orcontrol any other actuators, attachments, clips, screws, and/or levers,etc., in order to secure or to remove the auxiliary optical device 700.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in an example in FIG. 7C, anauxiliary optical device 700 a can include a front or first wall 718 butnot a top wall, or not a lateral wall, and/or not a rear side wall,since the retaining pressure of the seating region 716, which can beconfigured to be in direct contact with the onboard camera 632 alongall, a majority of, or part of, the circumference or perimeter of theonboard camera 632, can be sufficient to attach and/or secured inposition the auxiliary optical device 700 a on the mobile electroniccommunication device 634. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG.7C, one of more edges 730, 740 of the retainer portion 770 of theauxiliary optical device 700 a are not required to contact one or moreedges 750, 760, 770 of the mobile communication device 634 in order tosecure or position the auxiliary optical device 700 a in place; however,in some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 7A, one or more edges 719,720 of the retainer portion of the auxiliary optical device 700 cancontact one or more edges 750, 760, 770 of the mobile communicationdevice 634 to help secure or position the auxiliary optical device 700 ain place.

FIGS. 8A-8B and 9A-9C provide examples of securing structures that canbe active in some embodiments, passive in some embodiments, andpartially active and partially passive in some embodiments. For example,FIGS. 8A-8B illustrate an example of an auxiliary optical device 800that is similar or identical in many respects to the auxiliary opticaldevices 700 and 700 a of FIGS. 7A-7C. As with any features, steps,structures, methods, or components illustrated and/or described in thisapplication, everything disclosed in connection with FIGS. 7A-7C can beused with or instead of anything disclosed in connection with FIGS.8A-8B and 9A-9C. FIG. 8B is a cross-section of the auxiliary opticaldevice 800 along line 8B-8B in FIG. 8A.

As shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the auxiliary optical device 800 cancomprise a retainer portion 816 with a receiving and/or a retainingstructure that is configured to permit a surface disuniformity on afirst face 806 of the mobile communication device 634, such as aprotruding onboard camera 632, to pass into, through, and/or around theauxiliary optical device 800, and/or to permit the auxiliary opticaldevice 800 to be removably secured or attached to the mobile electroniccommunication device 634, in whole or in part, using a connectionbetween the onboard camera 632 and the auxiliary optical device 800. Theauxiliary optical device 800 can comprise an internal region 828 with aninternal passageway 810 that is sufficiently wide to accommodate and/orreceive a protruding onboard camera 632. In some embodiments, theinternal passageway 810 has a generally or substantially constant widthfrom an entry opening to a seating region 825. As illustrated, the widthof the internal passageway 810 can generally correspond to the diameteror cross-sectional width of the protruding onboard camera 632, to permitthe onboard camera 632 to pass into and through the passageway 810. Theseating region 825 can be sized and/or shaped to generally conform tothe size and/or shape of at least a portion of the onboard camera 632,such as an upper portion or upper arc of the onboard camera 632.

The auxiliary optical device 800 can comprise a first wall or face 802on which an optical component or lens (not shown) can be configured topermanently or removably attach. The auxiliary optical device 800 cancomprise one or more other walls, as illustrated and/or described in oneor more other embodiments herein. A top wall 804 of the auxiliaryoptical device 800 can extend between the first wall 802 and a second orrear wall (not shown) on an opposing side of the mobile communicationdevice 634. In some embodiments, as shown, the top wall 804 can beconfigured to contact or be near a top edge 808 and/or a side edge 818of the mobile communication device 634 when the auxiliary optical device800 is attached to the mobile communication device 634. One or moreinterior edges 812, 814 of the auxiliary optical device 800 can beconfigured to abut against top and/or side edges 808, 818, respectively,of the mobile communication device 834.

The auxiliary optical device 800 can comprise a restraining member 850that is configured to help secure, retain, and/or affix the auxiliaryoptical device 800 in position on a mobile electronic communicationdevice 634. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B, therestraining member 850 is a moveable member. In some embodiments, asshown, a movable restraining member 850 can pivot around a pivot point852. In some embodiments, a movable restraining member can move in otherways, such as sliding, shifting, contracting, or otherwise moving. Inthe illustrated example, the restraining member 850 can initially bepivoted or otherwise moved so as to be outside of the passageway 810 orso as not to block entry into the passageway 810, providing a first oropen position of the auxiliary optical device 800. After the protrudingonboard camera 632 is passed into the passageway and reaches or contactsor abuts against the seating region 825, the restraining member 850 canbe configured to move (e.g., pivot) into a position behind or below orin contact with a lower region of the protruding onboard camera 632 thatis generally opposite from the upper region of the protruding onboardcamera 632 that is positioned in the seating region 825, providing asecond or closed position of the auxiliary optical device 800.

In some embodiments, the transition from the first or open position ofthe auxiliary optical device 800 to the second or closed position of theauxiliary optical device 800 can be accomplished passively. For example,in some embodiments, a restraining member that is substantially shorterin length than the restraining member 850 illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8Bcan be configured to be temporarily pivoted out of the way of theprotruding onboard camera 632, while the auxiliary optical device ismoved into position on the mobile communication device 634, and thenmade to resiliently return to the original blocking position as shown,thereby temporarily impeding or resisting the exit of the protrudingonboard camera 632 from the auxiliary optical device 800 until the userapplies a removal force that is sufficiently great to permit therestraining member 850 to pivot outwardly and release the protrudingonboard camera 632 from the internal passageway 810. The restrainingmember 850 can be passively biased toward an initial position, asillustrated, such as by a coil spring or resilient band or some otherbiasing member. Many other types of passive transitions are alsopossible and are encompassed by this specification.

In some embodiments, the transition from the first or open position ofthe auxiliary optical device 800 to the second or closed position of theauxiliary optical device 800 can be accomplished actively. For example,in some embodiments, the restraining member 850 can be functionallyconnected to a user-operable actuator, such as a knob, lever, switch,and/or handle, etc., to permit manual movement (e.g., turning, rotating,and/or sliding, etc.) of the restraining member 850 from the closedposition, as shown, to a temporary open position while the protrudingcamera is positioned within the internal passageway 810. In someembodiments, the transition from the first or open position of theauxiliary optical device 800 to the second or closed position of theauxiliary optical device 800 can be accomplished in a partially activeand partially passive way. For example, in some embodiments, therestraining member 850 can be functionally connected to a user-operableactuator and can also be biased toward a return position. In this way,the auxiliary optical device 800 can be secured or affixed to the mobilecommunication device 634 passively, while requiring active useractuation to release the auxiliary optical device 800; or the auxiliaryoptical device 800 can require active user actuation to secure or affixthe auxiliary optical device 800 to the mobile communication device 634,while permitting the auxiliary optical device 800 to be released fromthe mobile communication device 634 passively, such as merely byapplying a force by the user on an outside surface of the auxiliaryoptical device 800.

FIGS. 9A-9C illustrate another embodiment of an auxiliary optical device900, with active or partially active securing and/or releasing. Theauxiliary optical device 900 of these figures can include any of thefeatures, steps, structure, methods, or components disclosed and/orillustrated elsewhere in this specification, including any disclosedand/or illustrated in connection with FIGS. 8A-8C. In any embodiments inthis specification, such as in some versions of the embodiment of FIGS.9A-9C, a first securing mechanism can provide a securing function on theprotruding onboard camera 632, in addition to a second securingmechanism provided by one or more of the walls 902, 904 (and/or a rearwall, not shown) of the retainer 900 in a friction fit, or some othermode of attachment, with one or more of the outer surfaces of the mobileelectronic communication device 634. FIG. 9B is a cross-section of theauxiliary optical device 900 along line 9B-9B in FIG. 9A.

The auxiliary optical device 900 can comprise a retainer portion 916that can include any of the features or attributes of any of the otherretainer portions and/or retainers disclosed and/or illustratedelsewhere in other embodiments in this specification. The auxiliaryoptical device 900 can comprise an inner cavity that comprises one ormore of: a first upper wall 906, a second side wall 908, and/or aninternal passageway 910. Either or both of the first and second walls906, 908 can be configured to contact, abut against and/or be positionedadjacent to one or more upper and/or side edges of a mobile device 934.The internal passageway 910 can include any of the features orattributes of the internal passageway 810 of FIGS. 8A-8B, or the channel615 of FIG. 6B, or the constricted passage 710 of FIGS. 7A-7C, and/orany similar or complimentary structure in any embodiment in thisspecification. The passageway 910 can comprise first and second lateralwalls 912, 914 that are sufficiently spaced apart from each other topermit passage of the protruding onboard camera 632 that is disposed orembedded in a first surface 918 of the mobile communication device 634.

As with other embodiments disclosed and/or illustrated in thisspecification, when the retainer portion 916 is moved into proximity toa region of a mobile device 634 with an onboard camera 632, the retainerportion 916 can be removably attached to a region of the mobile device634 such that an optical portion or lens (not shown) on the retainerportion can be positioned in optical communication with the onboardcamera 632. When the onboard camera 632 protrudes above the firstsurface 918, the auxiliary optical device 900 can include one or morefeatures that receive and/or securely attach to the protruding onboardcamera 632.

For example, the auxiliary optical device 900 can comprise a lockingmember 950 that can be positioned in a plurality of different positionsor stages. As illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the locking member 950 ina first, open, or unlocked stage can be positioned outside of thepassageway 910, or positioned so as not to impede or interfere with thepassage of the onboard camera 632 through the passageway 910. Asillustrated in FIG. 9C, the locking member 950 in a second, closed, orlocked stage can be positioned within the passageway 910, or positionedso as to impede or resist or prevent the passage of the onboard camera632 through the passageway 910. In some embodiments, as illustrated, thelocking member 950 in the first stage can be positioned in a lateral orgenerally vertical position so as to provide space for the passage ofthe protruding onboard camera 932 through the passageway 910, and thelocking member 950 in the second stage can be position in generallytransverse or generally horizontal position so as to extend across atleast a portion of the passageway 910. The passageway 910, or any othersimilar structures in other embodiments disclosed in this specification,can be oriented in different ways, and the locking member 950 can beoriented in correspondingly different ways.

In some embodiments, as illustrated, at least a portion of the lockingmember 950, such as an upper or inner edge that is configured to abutagainst or block a protruding onboard camera 632, can be sized, shaped,and/or contoured to generally correspond or generally match at least aportion of an edge or arc of a protruding onboard camera 632. Forexample, as shown, an inner edge of the locking member 950 can comprisea concavely curved shaped that is configured to generally correspondwith or generally match a round or circular outer circumference orperimeter of a protruding onboard camera 632 to provide a tight, snug,and/or secure fit against the protruding onboard camera 632.

The locking member 950 can be operatively connected with auser-accessible actuator 960, such as a dial, knob, lever, and/orswitch, etc., such that movement of the actuator 960 effectuatesmovement of the locking member 950. In the illustrated embodiment, theactuator 960 is a dial that is configured to be grasped by the user androtated, as shown by arrow 970, so as to move the locking member 950between the first and second stages, permitting the auxiliary opticaldevice 900 to be attachable to the mobile electronic communicationdevice or to be secured or affixed onto the mobile electroniccommunication device. In some embodiments, the actuator 960 can bebiased toward a particular stage, such as the second or locking stage.For example, the dial and locking member 950 can be automatically, orpassively, positioned in the position as illustrated in FIG. 9C, so asto block the withdrawal of the protruding onboard camera from theauxiliary optical device 900. When a user temporarily moves the actuator960 into the open or unlocked position shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B, abiasing force can be exerted against the user which urges the actuator960 back toward the closed or locked position shown in FIG. 9C. Thebiasing force can be provided by any suitable means, such as a coilspring, a resilient member, and/or a torsion member, etc.

FIGS. 10A-10C illustrate another example of an auxiliary optical device1000 with a passive attachment system. The auxiliary optical device 1000can include one or more of the following: a retainer portion 1030 thatis configured to removably attach to a mobile electronic communicationdevice 634; and an optical assembly 1005 comprising an optical holder ora lens holder 1010 and an optical region or lens 1020. In someembodiments, the mobile device 634 to which the auxiliary optical device1000 is configured to attach comprises a surface disuniformity orirregularity or non-planar portion, such as a protruding onboard camera632 that may include a protective structure such as a ring. In contrast,a retainer portion that is configured to receive a planar surface of amobile device, such as the retainer portion 406 illustrated in FIGS.1A-3C, may not be able to receive a mobile device 634 with a protrudingonboard camera 636 because the thickness of the body of the mobiledevice plus the additional thickness of the protruding onboard camera636 may exceed the width of the receiving groove 416 of the retainerportion 406.

The retainer portion 1030 can comprise one or more of: a first faceconfigured to permanently or removably received the optical assembly1005, a second face on an opposing side from the first face, and one ormore side and/or top walls 1130 extending between the first face and thesecond face. In some embodiments, different structures and/ororientations may be utilized that do not include each of these facesand/or walls. A groove or receiving region can be provided in theauxiliary optical device 1000 that is configured to receive at least aportion of the mobile device 634 that includes an onboard camera 632. Insome embodiments, the retainer portion 1030 and/or any or all of itsassociated components or parts are rigid; and in some embodiments, theretainer portion 1030 and/or any or all of its associated components orparts are flexible or resilient.

As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10C, the retainer portion 1030 of theauxiliary optical device 1000 can comprise an internal cavity 1040 withan interior surface 1050 that includes one or more engagement surfaces1060. One or more of the engagement surfaces 1060 can comprise one ormore entrance-facilitating surfaces 1070 and/or one or moreexit-facilitating surfaces 1080. For example, in some embodiments, anentrance-facilitating surface 1070 can comprise a slanting or taperingsurface along the interior surface 1050 that increases in height orinward extension into the internal cavity 1040 in the direction from theentrance of the internal cavity 1040 into the internal cavity 1040; andan exit-facilitating surface 1080 can comprise a slanting or taperingsurface along the interior surface 1050 that increases in height orinward extension into the internal cavity 1040 in the direction frominside the internal cavity 1040 toward the entrance of the internalcavity 1040. In some embodiments, a zenith or summit or facet 1090 of anengagement surface 1060 comprises a location where one or moreengagement surfaces 1060 converge and/or where a maximum height orinward extension into the internal cavity 1040 occurs along a pathconfigured to be traversed by a protruding onboard camera 632 duringattachment of the auxiliary optical device 1000 to a mobile device 634.

In some embodiments, as illustrated, when a portion of a mobileelectronic device 634 is initially inserted into the groove or interiorcavity 1040 of the auxiliary optical device 1000, before the onboardcamera 632 contacts the engagement surface 1080, the distance between afirst surface 1100 of the mobile electronic device 634 and theengagement surface 1080 (e.g., between the summit or zenith or facet1090 of the engagement surface 1080 and the first surface 1100) can begreater than the distance between the outermost surface of the onboardcamera 632 and the engagement surface 1080 (e.g., between the summit orzenith or facet 1090 of the engagement surface 1080 and the outermostsurface of the onboard camera 632).

When the mobile device 634 is advanced further into the interior cavity1040 of the auxiliary optical device 1000, the protruding onboard camera632 can contact an engagement surface 1080, producing an outwardlydirected force on the engagement surface 1080. In some embodiments,especially those in which the engagement surface 1080 is made of aresilient, flexible, low-durometer material, and/or a movable structure,the outwardly directed force can temporarily displace (e.g., compress,flex, crush, or otherwise move) the engagement surface 1080 outwardly topermit passage of the protruding onboard camera 632 past the engagementsurface 1080. Upon movement of the engagement surface 1080, a responsiveforce can be passively created that urges the engagement surface 1080back toward its original configuration (e.g., its shape, position,and/or orientation). Once the onboard camera 632 has passed by theengagement surface 1080, the responsive force can cause the engagementsurface 1080 to move back toward its original configuration, therebytrapping the onboard camera 632 in the interior cavity 1040, especiallyat the stage when an upper edge 1120 of the mobile device 634 is fullypositioned inside of the interior cavity 1040 such that it contacts oris adjacent to an interior wall of the interior cavity 1040. When a userdesires to remove the auxiliary optical device 1000 from the mobileelectronic communication device 634, the user can apply a removal forceto the auxiliary optical device 1000 that is sufficient to once againsttemporarily displace the engagement surface 1080 to permit withdrawal ofthe onboard camera 632 from the interior cavity 1040 of the auxiliaryoptical device 1000.

The retainer portion 1030 can comprise one or more expansion portions1110 configured to permit the retainer portion 1030 and/or the interiorcavity 1040 to expand or otherwise move. As illustrated in FIGS.10A-10B, the expansion portion 1110 can comprise a slot or groove in oneor more walls or other structures of the retainer portion 1030. As withall other structures, steps, methods, or components illustrated and/ordescribed in any embodiments in this specification, any feature of theadjusters 508, 510 of FIGS. 4A-4C and/or 5, and/or any related orassociated features of other components of those figures, can be usedinstead of or in addition to the expansion portion 1100 of theembodiment of FIGS. 10A-10C.

As illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B, in some embodiments, a multi-lenssystem 300 can provide a plurality (e.g., two) of optical regions orlenses 501, 550 that are each configured to be in general opticalalignment simultaneously with respective different ones of at least twoonboard cameras of a mobile communication device 134. For example, atthe same time, a first optical region or lens 501 of the multi-lenssystem 300 can be positioned in alignment with or in a covering oroverlapping arrangement with a first onboard camera lens, and a secondoptical region or lens 550 of the multi-lens system 300 can bepositioned in alignment with or in a covering or overlapping arrangementwith a second onboard camera lens. In some embodiments, the firstonboard camera of the mobile communication device 134 can be configuredto face in generally the same direction as the user-viewable screen 502of the mobile communication device 134, which can be configured tocapture images (e.g., photographs or video) of a user of the mobilecommunication device 134 and the user's surroundings, and the secondonboard camera of the mobile communication device 134 can be configuredto face in generally the opposite direction from the first onboardcamera and can capture images in a direction facing away from a user.

The multi-lens system 300 can comprise a retainer with a retainer body340 that is configured to removably attach to a mobile communicativedevice 134. In some embodiments, as illustrated, the retainer body 340is configured to attach to the mobile communication device 134 by way ofa friction fit in a single attachment motion, without requiringpre-attached mounts on the mobile communication device 134 and/orwithout requiring one or more dynamic mounts (e.g., screws, clamps,levers, etc.) on the retainer body 340. As with all other embodiments inthis specification, any structure, component, material, step, or methoddescribed and/or illustrated elsewhere in this application can be usedin addition to or instead of those described and/or illustrated in thisembodiment. For example, any manner of attaching a retainer to a mobilecommunication device can be used in addition to or instead of thosedescribed and/or illustrated in this embodiment, and any lenses oroptical zones described and/or illustrated elsewhere in this applicationcan be utilized in addition to or instead of those described and/orillustrated in this embodiment. In some embodiments, as shown, theretainer body 340 can be unitary in that it is formed of a single pieceof material.

As shown in FIG. 11B, the multi-lens system 300 can comprise first andsecond lens mounting portions 505, 555 that are configured to receiveoptical zones or lenses 501, 550. In some embodiments, the optical zonesor lenses 501, 550 are removably and/or interchangeably attached to theretainer body 340. As illustrated in FIG. 11A, in some embodiments, theretainer body 340 can attach to the mobile communication device 134 suchthat a first side wall 342 of the multi-lens system 300 is configured tocontact or overlap a first side of the mobile communication device 134;a second side wall 344 of the multi-lens system 300 is configured tocontact or overlap a second side of the mobile communication device 134that is opposite from the first side of the mobile communication device134; and/or an upper wall 346 of the multi-lens system 300 is configuredto contact or overlap a top edge of the mobile communication device 134.In some embodiments, an upper wall alignment portion 330 can beconfigured to contact or overlap with a corner region of the mobilecommunication device 134 to help in properly aligning or registering orpositioning the retainer body 340 on the mobile communication device 134to provide proper optical communication between the onboard lenses andthe lenses or optical zones of the multi-lens system 300.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 11B, the multi-lens system 300 cancomprise a receiving or guiding structure 580 that is configured toassist in guiding or attaching the multi-lens system 300 to a mobilecommunication device that includes one or more non-planar surfaces, suchas a mobile communication device that includes one or more raisedonboard lenses or cameras on one or more (e.g., two) sides that protrudeoutwardly from the surface of the mobile communication device in whichsuch lenses or cameras are embedded. As illustrated, the receiving orguiding structure 580 can be a recessed groove with a depth that isgenerally equal to or greater than the thickness of the protrudingportion of the corresponding raised onboard lens or camera and/or with awidth that is generally equal to or greater than the diameter orcross-sectional width of the corresponding raised onboard lens orcamera. The receiving or guiding structure 580 can have many otherdifferent shapes, sizes, forms, and/or configurations. For example, thereceiving or guiding structure can be a protrusion or a series ofprotrusions and/or a resilient, flexible, or compliant region, and/orany other structure that is suitable to permit a surface protrusion on amobile communication device to pass within or near or adjacent to aportion of the multi-lens system 300 during attachment. In someembodiments, the multi-lens system 300 can comprise one or two (asshown) or more receiving or guiding structures 580 on the same retainerbody 340. For example, in some embodiments, there can be at least oneguiding structure 580 for each lens or optical region 501, 550 of themulti-lens system 300. In some embodiments, as disclosed elsewhereherein, there can be multiple guiding structures for the same lens orcamera, such as to permit alternative paths of attachment. The guidingstructures can be orientated in any manner (e.g., generally vertically,as illustrated, or generally diagonally, or generally horizontally,etc.).

As with all features disclosed herein, the receiving or guidingstructure 580 in this embodiment can be replaced with or include anyfeatures of any other structure, step, material, or component that isdescribed and/or illustrated elsewhere in this specification for anyother structure that is used to receive or attach to or accommodate aprotruding camera on a mobile communication device, such as thereceiving structure or channel 615 of FIG. 6B, the passage 710 and/orseat 716 of FIGS. 7A-7C, the passageway 810 of FIGS. 8A and 8B, thepassageway 910 of FIGS. 9A-9C, and/or the internal cavity 1040 of FIG.10A-10C, etc.

As with other embodiments disclosed herein, the retainer body 340 can beconfigured, as shown, to be switchable in orientation so as to permiteither of the two or more lenses or optical regions 501, 550 of themulti-lens system 300 to be positioned in optical communication witheither of the two or more lenses of the onboard cameras of the mobilecommunication, without requiring removal of either of the lenses oroptical regions 501, 550 from the retainer body 340 of the multi-lenssystem 300. For example, the multi-lens system 300 can be attached in afirst orientation to a mobile communication device such that a firstlens or optical region 501 of the multi-lens system 300 is in opticalalignment with a first onboard camera in the mobile communication device134 and a second lens or optical region 550 of the multi-lens system 300is in optical alignment with a second onboard camera in the mobilecommunication device 134 at the same time, then the multi-lens system300 can be removed from the mobile communication device and reattachedto the mobile communication device in a second orientation such that thefirst lens or optical region 501 of the multi-lens system 300 is inoptical alignment with the second onboard camera in the mobilecommunication device 134 and the second lens or optical region 550 ofthe multi-lens system 300 is in optical alignment with a first onboardcamera in the mobile communication device 134 at the same time.

As shown in the examples of FIGS. 12A-15C, many different structures andmethods can be used, alone or in combination with any other structuresand/or methods disclosed elsewhere in this specification, to attach aretainer of an auxiliary lens system to a mobile communication devicecomprising a protruding portion, such as a protruding onboard camera. Aswith all embodiments in this specification, any feature, component,material, structure, and/or step described and/or illustrated in theseembodiments can be used in combination with or instead of any feature,component, material, structure, and/or step described an/or illustratedin any other embodiments in this specification. For example, any one ora plurality of the lens or optical region described elsewhere in thisspecification can be used with any retainer portion in the embodimentsof FIGS. 12A-15C; and any retainer portion shown in the embodiments ofFIGS. 12A-15C can be appropriately configured to include any of thefeatures of any of the retainer portions of the other embodiments inthis specification.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 12A-12E, a retainer portion200 can be configured, as with other retainer portions in thisspecification, to removably attach to a mobile communication device 134with at least one onboard camera 634 that protrudes above or beyond agenerally planar or generally flat surface 610 in which the onboardcamera 634 is embedded. The retainer portion 200 can comprise at leastone or a plurality of lens-receiving regions 202 configured to receiveone or more optical regions or lenses (not shown).

The retainer portion 200 can comprise at least two portions that aremoveable with respect to each other. A first portion 204 can comprise afirst side 208, a second side 210, a top edge 212, a lateral edge 214,one or more interior sides 215, 225, and one or more interior edges 213.A second portion 206 can comprise a first side 216, a second side 218, atop edge 220, a lateral edge 222, one or more interior sides 217, 223,and one or more interior edges 219. As shown, the first side 208 of thefirst portion 204 can face in a generally opposite direction from thesecond side 218 of the second portion 206. The first and second portions204, 206 can be attached and/or can fit together and/or can contact eachother in an interlocking or interleaved or a multi-faceted way. Forexample, as illustrated, the first portion 204 and the second portion206 can be moveably attached or moveably operable with each other insuch a way that multiple (e.g., at least: two or three or four, etc.)respective sides or edges of the first and second portions 204, 206contact and/or slide against each other at the same time.

In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 12A-12E, the distancebetween the first side 208 of the first portion 204 and the second side218 of the second portion 206 can be varied or adjusted by sliding thefirst portion 204 further in a first direction than the second portion206. As illustrated, the distance from the first side 208 of the firstportion 204 to the second side 210 of the first portion 204 can begreater than the distance from the first side 216 of the second portion206 to the second side 218 of the second portion 206. When the first andsecond portions 204, 206 are in a first configuration, a gap 224 can beformed between an interior side 215 of the first portion 204 and aninterior side 217 of the second portion 206, while the first side 208 ofthe first portion 204 and the first side 216 of the second portion 206are generally flush. When the first and second portions 204, 206 are ina second configuration, the gap 224 can be eliminated or decreased, butanother gap 226 can be formed or increased between other respectiveinterior sides 225, 223 of the first and second portions 204, 206. Insome embodiments, the width of the gap 226, between the interior sides225, 223 can correspond to the size of the protruding portion of theonboard camera 632 of the mobile communication device 634.

A groove or other opening (not shown) can be provided underneath theretainer portion 200 that is sized and shaped to removably receive oneor more edges, such as a top edge and one or more side edges of themobile communication device 634. In some embodiments, when the retainerportion 200 is received on the mobile communication device 634, only asingle gap 224, 226 can be formed in a particular configuration,depending on the positioning of the respective first and second portions204, 206. In some embodiments, a biasing member, such as a resilientmember or spring or functionally similar structure, can bias theretainer portion toward the position in which there is no gap 226 oressentially no gap to accommodate the protruding portion of the onboardcamera 632, until a temporary force is applied by a user to create thegap 226, at which point a biasing force is exerted by the biasing memberto help retain the retainer portion 200 on the mobile communicationdevice 634.

As illustrated in FIGS. 13A-14C, a retainer portion 240 can comprise oneor more lens-receiving regions 242 that are configured to receive anytype of lens or optical region. The one or more lens-receiving regions242 can be configured to move with respect to the body of the retainerportion 240. In some embodiments, as illustrated, in a firstconfiguration the lens-receiving region 242 can be generally flush witha face 244 of the retainer portion 240 and in a second configuration thelens-receiving region 242 can protrude from the face 244 of the retainerportion. In some embodiments, as shown, the lens-receiving region 242can be comprised or be supported by a moving region 246 that is flexibleor resilient or compliant. For example, the moving region 246 cancomprise silicone or rubber. Many other materials and/or structures canbe used. As illustrated, the retainer portion 240 can comprise anunderside groove 248, as in other embodiments, that can extend acrossall or a portion of the retainer portion 240 and that is sized and/orshaped to receive at least a portion of a mobile communication device634 with a protruding camera 632, such as one or more edges, or corners,and/or a top portion of the mobile communication device 634. In someembodiments, including those described and/or illustrated in connectionwith FIGS. 13A-14C, the retainer portion 240 itself can expand and/orcontract or otherwise move to accommodate attaching to a mobilecommunication device with a protrusion, such as a protruding onboardcamera, on its surface, such as is illustrated and/or described inconnection with the embodiments of FIGS. 4A-4C and 5.

As shown in FIGS. 15A-15C, in some embodiments, a retainer portion 250can comprise one or more lens-receiving regions 252, 254 that areconfigured to move independently of each other and/or of the body of theretainer portion 250. One or more other embodiments illustrated and/ordisclosed in this specification also permit independent or floatingmovement of two or more lens-receiving regions. In some embodiments, theindependent or floating movement of the one or more lens-receivingregions 252, 254 can permit the retainer portion 250 to be removablyattached to a mobile communication device 634 with a protruding onboardcamera 632. The lens-receiving regions 252, 254 can be attached to thebody of the retainer portion 250 by a respective moving region 256, suchas a bendable (as shown) or flexible or resilient link or a retracting,expanding, or otherwise moving member. In some embodiments, as themoving region 256 moves, one of more of the lens-receiving regions 252,254 and one or more of the optical components received in them can beconfigured to move along a generally straight line that is coaxial withor generally parallel with an optical axis of an onboard camera of themobile communication device, such that moving of the moving region 256does not cause the optical component to veer off the optical axis. Inany embodiment disclosed in this specification, including theembodiments of FIGS. 12A-15C, the body of the retainer portions cancomprise a suitably configured receiving or guiding structure, such asthose described and/or illustrated in other embodiments in thisspecification.

As shown in FIG. 16A, in some embodiments, an auxiliary lens system 1200can be configured to removably attach to a mobile communication device634 comprising a protruding portion, such as a protective structure 636near or generally surrounding a lens, that includes one or more mountingelements 1210 configured to assist in attaching one or more opticalcomponents 1220, 1230 to the mobile communication device 634. The mobilecommunication device 634 can comprise one of more of any features,structures, components, steps, and/or materials of any of the mobilecommunication devices disclosed and/or illustrated in U.S. Pat. No.8,687,299, issued on Apr. 1, 2014 to Apple Inc., which is incorporatedby reference herein in its entirety. In some embodiments, the one ormore mounting elements 1210 can comprise a screw thread, bayonet mount,or other structure configured to attach to another component using arotating motion.

As illustrated, the one or more optical components 1220, 1230 can bepermanently or removably attached to a retainer portion 1240. A firstoptical component 1220 can face in a first direction when mounted to theretainer portion 1240 and a second optical component 1230 can face in asecond direction that is generally opposite from the first directionwhen mounted to the retainer portion 1240. The retainer portion 1240 canbe configured to removably attach to the mobile communication device634. As with all embodiments in this specification, any structure,feature, component, material, and/or step that is illustrated and/ordescribed in one embodiment can be used with or instead of anystructure, feature, component, material, and/or step that is illustratedand/or described in any other embodiment. For example, the retainerportion 1240 can comprise any feature or can be made to perform any stepdescribed and/or illustrated in connection with any other retainerportion in this specification, and the optical components 1220, 1230 cancomprise any feature or can be made to perform any step described and/orillustrated in connection with any other optical components in thisspecification.

The one or more optical components 1220, 1230 can be removablyattachable to the retainer portion 1240 or permanently attached to theretainer portion 1240. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 16,at least one of the optical components 1230 can be configured to moveback and forth along its longitudinal axis (as shown by reciprocatingline 1250) within an aperture of the retainer portion 1240, while beingretained by the retainer portion 1240 (e.g., without being removablefrom the retainer portion 1240 through longitudinal movement). In someembodiments, at least two of the optical components 1220, 1230 can be soconfigured. At least one of the optical components 1230 can beconfigured to rotate within an aperture of the retainer portion 1240,around its longitudinal axis (as shown by reciprocating line of rotation1260), while being retained by the retainer portion 1240 (e.g., withoutbeing capable of unscrewing or otherwise being removed from the retainer1240 through rotation). In some embodiments, at least two of the opticalcomponents can be so configured. As illustrated, in some embodiments, atleast one optical component 1230 can both freely rotate and movelongitudinally within an aperture in the retainer portion 1240.

The rotation and/or longitudinal movement of the optical component 1230can enable the optical component to be removably attached to a mountingstructure on a mobile communication device 634, such as the protectivestructure 636. For example, as shown, the retainer portion 1240 can bepositioned over a portion of a mobile communication device 634, suchthat at least a portion (e.g., an edge or a corner) of the mobilecommunication device 634 is positioned within an interior cavity of theretainer portion 1240. The optical component 1230 can be slidlongitudinally so that an interior portion 1270 is advanced toward themounting structure on the mobile communication device 634. After theoptical component 1230 contacts the mounting structure of the mobilecommunication device (if not before), the optical component 1230 can berotated to removably secure the auxiliary lens system 1200 to themounting structure of the mobile communication device 634. An insidesurface of the interior portion 1240 can comprise a correspondingattachment structure (e.g., a screw thread or a bayonet mount) that isconfigured to removably attach to the mounting element (e.g., a screwthread or a bayonet mount) of the mounting structure of the mobilecommunication device 634. When the at least one optical component 1230is removably attached to the mounting element 1210, the opticalcomponent 1230 can be configured to be in optical communication with anonboard camera of the mobile communication device. In some embodiments,as shown, the positions of the first and second optical components 1220,1230 can be switched to provide different optical capabilities.

In some embodiments, the one or more optical components 1220, 1230 canbe biased toward one or a plurality of positions by a resilient member,such as a spring. For example, in a first stage, the one or more opticalcomponents 1220, 1230 can be biased toward a first position to provide aspace for inserting at least a portion of the mobile communicationdevice 634 within the retainer portion 1240. When actuated by a user,the auxiliary lens system 1200 can bias the one or more opticalcomponents 1220, 1230 toward a second position for attachment with themounting structure on the mobile communication device.

FIG. 16B provides another example of an auxiliary lens system 1300 thatis configured to be removably attachable with a mobile electroniccommunication device 634. As with all embodiments in this specification,any feature, structure, component, step, and/or material that isillustrated or described in connection with the auxiliary lens system1300, or any other lens system in this specification, can be used withor instead of any feature, structure, component, step, and/or materialthat is disclosed in connection with the embodiment of FIG. 16B.

The auxiliary lens system 1300 of FIG. 16B comprises a retainer portion1340 that has an interior surface 1390 within an interior region. Atleast a portion of the interior surface 1390 can be contoured, shaped,and/or sized to closely correspond to or match an exterior surface 670of the mobile electronic communication device 634 to which the auxiliarylens system 1300 is configured to attach. In some embodiments, asillustrated, the interior surface 1390 is configured to tightly orsnugly contact or grip an exterior surface 670 of the mobile electroniccommunication device 634 on at least one side (e.g., a front or rearface) or on at least two sides (e.g., a front and rear face) or on atleast three sides (e.g., a front and rear face and a top surface) toassist in properly locating or registering the auxiliary lens system1300 at the proper location on the mobile electronic communicationdevice 634 and/or to assist in retaining the auxiliary lens system 1300on the mobile electronic communication device 634.

The interior surface 1390 can be made of the same material as the restof the retainer portion 1340 or it can be made of a different material.In some embodiments, at least a portion of the interior surface 1390 isformed of a flexible or resilient material (e.g., silicone,thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), thermoplastic elastomer (TPE),plastic, etc.) that is separately applied on the interior of theretainer portion 1340, such as by overmolding or by adhesive or by anyother suitable method. The retainer portion 1340 can be formed of arigid material, such as a rigid plastic or metal, or it can be formed ofa relatively flexible or resilient material.

As shown, the auxiliary lens system 1300 can comprise an attachmentstructure, such as an attachment loop (as illustrated) or a connector orsnap or clasp, to facilitate connection with a carrying or storagedevice, such as a lanyard, case, bracelet, or necklace, etc.

In some embodiments, as shown, first and second optical components 1320,1330 can each comprise an interior attachment-facilitating structure,such as a bevel or ramp, on the interior end 1370 that is configured tocontact or engage with a permanently attached protruding structure 1636(e.g., a protruding lens or a protective structure surrounding aprotruding lens) on the mobile electronic communication device 634. Asillustrated, the protruding structure 1636 on the mobile electroniccommunication device 634 may comprise one or more smooth, sloped,tapered, and/or ramped edges, without any attachment structure, as inthe iphone 6, sold by Apple, Inc.

As illustrated, in some embodiments, an interior end 1370 of either orboth of the optical components 1320, 1330 can be configured to contact afront face of the onboard lens of the mobile electronic communicationdevice 634. The interior end 1370 can be made of a rigid or a resilientor flexible material. In some embodiments, the interior end 1370 forms alight gasket or light seal or a cushion against the onboard lens. Theinterior end 1370 can surround the periphery of the onboard lens whenthe auxiliary optical device 1300 is attached to the mobile electronicdevice 634 to block out peripheral light. As illustrated, in someembodiments, the diameter of the protruding structure 1636 isapproximately the same as the diameter of the interior end 1370. In someembodiments, the diameter of the interior end 1370 is larger than thediameter of the protruding structure 1636. As shown, an interior ledge1382 of the retain portion 1340 can be a stop against which the interiorend 1370 abuts, such as in a biased position.

In some embodiments (not shown), one or more of the optical components1320, 1330 can be sufficiently long so as to contact the front face ofthe mobile electronic communication device 610 when moved to a fullyinward position along axes 1350, 1380, such as when there is no interiorledge 1382 to block such movement. Either or both of the opticalcomponents 1320, 1330 can be biased toward such a fully inward positionby a biasing member such as a spring or resilient member. As theauxiliary lens system 1300 is moved into position on a mobile electroniccommunication device 634 for attachment, the interiorattachment-facilitating structure of the auxiliary lens system 1300 cancontact and push laterally against a sloping edge of the protrudingstructure 1636 on the mobile electronic communication device 634, whichcan advance the optical component 1320, 1330 outwardly along line 1350(against the bias, if present) to provide an increased space toaccommodate the protruding structure 1636 within the interior of theretainer portion 1340 during attachment. The inwardly-directed bias canhelp the auxiliary optical system 1300 to pinch or clamp or squeeze orsnugly fit against one or two or more exterior surfaces of the mobileelectronic communication device, even after one or more of the opticalcomponents 1320, 1330 has been pushed outwardly by theattachment-facilitating structure.

One or more of the optical components 1320, 1330 can be rotated in oneor more directions as shown by rotation line 1360. In some embodiments,as shown, there are no screw threads or other attachment members on theinterior end 1370. The rotation can serve to actuate a function of theauxiliary optical system 1300, such as to trigger an inward bias of oneor more of the optical components 1320, 1330 or to lock the auxiliaryoptical system 1300 into place or to adjust focus or magnification orpolarization or some other variable optical quality.

Any combinations of embodiments or combinations of subsets orsubassemblies from any embodiments in this specification can be usedtogether. For example, and without limitation, any features of any lensor optical portion or retainer portion of the embodiments disclosedand/or illustrated in connection with any embodiments disclosed hereincan be used with any adjuster, or any receiving structure, and/or anysecuring or affixing or locking structure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A multi-lens system for removable attachment to amobile device, the mobile device having a top portion with a user-facingonboard camera and an outward-facing onboard camera, the multi-lenssystem comprising: a retainer portion defining a channel configured toreceive the top portion of the mobile device, the retainer portionincluding a biasing structure within the channel and configured forengagement of the mobile device adjacent at least one of the user-facingonboard camera or the outward-facing onboard camera; a first lenscomponent connected to the retainer portion and arranged for opticalcommunication with the user-facing onboard camera; and a second lenscomponent connected to the retainer portion, positioned opposite thefirst lens component, and arranged for optical communication with theoutward-facing onboard camera.
 2. The multi-lens system of claim 1,wherein: the retainer portion comprises: a first sidewall portion; and asecond sidewall portion separated from the first sidewall portion by thechannel; the first lens component is connected to the first sidewallportion; the second lens component is connected to the second sidewallportion; and when the mobile device is received within the channel, thefirst lens component is in optical communication with the user-facingonboard camera and the second lens component is in optical communicationwith the outward-facing onboard camera.
 3. The multi-lens system ofclaim 2, wherein: the retainer portion further comprises a lens mountingportion protruding from the first sidewall portion or the secondsidewall portion; and one of the first lens component or the second lenscomponent is housed at least partially within the lens mounting portion.4. The multi-lens system of claim 3, wherein: one of the user-facingonboard camera or the outward-facing onboard camera define a ring thatprotrudes from a respective face of the mobile device; at least one ofthe first sidewall portion or the second sidewall portion defines arecessed feature along an interior surface of the channel; and therecessed feature is configured to receive the ring of the one of theuser-facing onboard camera or the outward-facing onboard camera.
 5. Themulti-lens system of claim 3, wherein the first sidewall portion and thesecond sidewall portion contact respective faces of the mobile devicewhen the mobile device is received within the channel.
 6. The multi-lenssystem of claim 5, wherein the biasing structure comprises: arestraining member configured for contacting the mobile device; and aspring biasing the biasing structure into the channel.
 7. The multi-lenssystem of claim 1, wherein: the top portion of the mobile device definesa top surface of the mobile device; and the retainer portion isconfigured to seat on the top surface of the mobile device.
 8. Themulti-lens system of claim 7, wherein: the top portion of the mobiledevice further defines opposing corners, each of the opposing cornersconnected to the top surface; and the retainer portion is configured toextend over a portion of each opposing corner.
 9. A lens system forremovable attachment to a mobile device having a protruding onboardcamera and a secondary onboard camera opposite the protruding onboardcamera, the lens system comprising: a retainer portion, comprising: apair of sidewalls configured to receive the mobile device therebetween,a first sidewall defining a recessed feature configured to receive theprotruding onboard camera; and a moveable portion adjacent the recessedfeature and moveable to enlarge a distance between at least two portionsof the pair of sidewalls, thereby permitting entry of the mobile devicebetween the pair of sidewalls; and a lens component fixed to theretainer portion and in optical communication with the protrudingonboard camera when the mobile device is received between the pair ofsidewalls.
 10. The lens system of claim 9, wherein the moveable portionis biased for engagement with the protruding onboard camera.
 11. Thelens system of claim 9, wherein the moveable portion maintains contactwith one or more surfaces adjacent the protruding onboard camera whenthe mobile device is received between the pair of sidewalls.
 12. Thelens system of claim 9, wherein: the retainer portion defines an openingthrough the one of the pair of sidewalls aligned with the lenscomponent; and the recessed feature defines a guiding structure fordirecting the protruding onboard camera from an exterior of the retainerportion toward the opening.
 13. The lens system of claim 12, wherein therecessed feature encompasses the opening and defines a seat for theprotruding onboard camera.
 14. The lens system of claim 9, wherein: thelens component is a first lens component; and the lens system furthercomprises a second lens component fixed to the retainer portion and inoptical communication with the secondary onboard camera when the mobiledevice is received between the pair of sidewalls.
 15. The lens system ofclaim 14, wherein: the retainer portion comprises: a first lens mountingportion connected to, and protruding away from, the first sidewall; anda second lens mounting portion connected to, and protruding away from, asecond sidewall; the first lens component is housed at least partiallywithin the first lens mounting portion; and the second lens component ishoused at least partially within the second lens mounting portion.
 16. Amulti-lens system for removable attachment to a mobile device having aprotruding onboard camera and a secondary onboard camera opposite theprotruding onboard camera, the multi-lens system comprising: a retainerportion having internal opposing surfaces separated by a gap, theinternal opposing surfaces each having an opening arranged for alignmentwith one of the protruding onboard camera or the secondary onboardcamera, one of the internal opposing surfaces including a recessedfeature adjacent the opening for the receiving the protruding onboardcamera, wherein the retainer portion is arranged to flex for entry ofthe protruding onboard camera between the internal opposing surfaces andinto the recessed feature; and a pair of lens components, each connectedto the retainer portion at a respective one of the openings, wherein,when the protruding onboard camera is positioned between the internalopposing surfaces, each lens component of the pair of lens components isin optical communication with a respective one of the protruding onboardcamera or the secondary onboard camera of the mobile device.
 17. Themulti-lens system of claim 16, wherein each of the internal opposingsurfaces is configured to contact a face of the mobile device, therebyresisting sliding of the retainer portion away from the mobile device.18. The multi-lens system of claim 16, wherein each of the pair of lenscomponents is fixed to the retainer portion.
 19. The multi-lens systemof claim 16, wherein: the retainer portion comprises: an upper wallportion; a first sidewall portion connected to the upper wall portionand defining a first of the internal opposing surfaces; and a secondsidewall portion connected to the upper wall portion and defining asecond of the internal opposing surfaces; and the first sidewall portionand the second sidewall portion arranged to extend over opposing sideedges of the mobile device.
 20. The multi-lens system of claim 19,wherein each lens component of the pair of lens components defines anarcuate external surface of the multi-lens system.